Silent Reflux Adult Speech & Language Therapy 01625 661067 Macclesfield District General Hospital @EastCheshireNHS Leaflet Ref: 11067 Published: Jan 2019 Review: 31/12/2021 Page 1
Introduction Reflux is when acid stomach contents, including food and pepsin (a digestive enzyme) flow back up the oesophagus. In some cases stomach contents not only flow into the oesophagus but also into the throat (larynx and pharynx). If stomach contents reach the throat this is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or silent reflux. The structures in the throat are sensitive to acid stomach contents so small amounts of reflux into this area can result in damage. Most of the reflux events that can damage the throat happen without you ever knowing they are occurring this is why it is called silent reflux. Silent reflux can cause: hoarseness sore throats a feeling of a lump in the throat (known as globus) difficulty swallowing too much mucus in the throat choking episodes, especially at night irritable cough throat clearing burning/dryness in the throat bad/bitter taste in the mouth (especially in the morning) When can it happen? Silent reflux can happen at any time. It can occur during the day or at night when we are sleeping. Why don t I have heartburn? People often ask how they can have reflux but not have heartburn or indigestion. In some people this back flow causes heartburn and indigestion, but in others it does not. Heartburn occurs when the tissue in the oesophagus becomes irritated. In silent reflux the backflow reaches the throat and may or may not cause heartburn or indigestion. Leaflet Ref: 11067 Published: Jan 2019 Review: 31/12/2021 Page 2
What can I do to reduce this reflux? Dietary and lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on reducing silent reflux. Here are some things you can do to help. Stop smoking smoking makes you reflux after each cigarette. Ask about your local Smoking Cessation Clinic. Eat a low fat diet. Limit your intake of fatty foods and butter. Foods to avoid: fried foods, cheese, chocolate, pastry, spicy foods, crisps, chips Drinks to avoid: coffee, citrus fruit juices, fizzy drinks. Limit your alcohol intake as this makes reflux worse. Spirits and white wine are the worst offenders (e.g. sherry, brandy, vodka etc) Do not lie down just after eating. Do not eat within three hours of going to bed Don t wear clothing that is too tight, especially round the waist Bending over can trigger reflux (e.g. digging in the garden), as can lifting heavy objects or straining due to constipation If you are overweight this will contribute to reflux Extreme physical exercise, such as uphill running, marathons, dancing etc can also cause reflux Raising the head of your bed can help, as can lying on your left side rather than your right. It is helpful to chew gum containing bicarbonate of soda (sold as tooth whitening gum ) as can drinking alkaline mineral water (e.g. Saka, Icelandic etc.) Take your reflux medication as prescribed every day without fail. Missing even one day can cause further damage to your voice box. Keep taking it until you are told to stop. Stopping your reflux medications suddenly can cause rebound reflux making your symptoms appear even worse a step down program can help to avoid this consult your GP if you have any concerns. Leaflet Ref: 11067 Published: Jan 2019 Review: 31/12/2021 Page 3
. How is Silent Reflux Treated? Each person requires individual treatment tailored to their needs, and your doctor or therapist will suggest the best treatment for you. There are several treatments for reflux: Changing habits and diet to reduce reflux Medications to reduce stomach acid Occasionally, surgery to reduce reflux is recommended Medical Treatments Antacid medications which also contain alginate (such as Gaviscon Advance and Acidex Advance) are very helpful. Some patients are asked to take this every night before going to bed. It should be the last thing you swallow before going to bed. Others may be asked to take it 15 minutes after each meal and wait 3/4hour before taking anything more orally. This helps to keep the acid, pepsin and stomach contents in your stomach by forming a floating raft. Acid blocking agents called Proton Pump Inhibitors, PPIs (including Rabeprazole(Pariet), Pantoprazole (protium), Lanzoprazole (Zoton) and Omeprazole/Esomeprazole (Losec/Nexium) are often used to reduce acid production in the stomach. They should be taken half an hour before breakfast and evening meal approximately 12 hours apart. These tablets need to be used for several months to work, so please arrange repeat prescriptions from your family doctor. If you have a follow-up appointment, keep taking the tablets until you are instructed otherwise. Other acid Blocking agents such as Ranitidine (Zantac) or Cimetidine (Tagamet) are occasionally used, especially for patients who cannot tolerate the more powerful PPIs listed above. Please note it is important to check with your GP and/or pharmacist that it is suitable to take these medications, particularly if you take other forms of medication. Surgery is occasionally required to repair the leaky valve between the stomach and the gullet (oesophagus) which leads to reflux, especially in more severe cases which do not respond well to medications. A form of keyhole surgery called Endoscopic Fundoplication is usually used. Leaflet Ref: 11067 Published: Jan 2019 Review: 31/12/2021 Page 4
Comments, compliments or complaints We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: 0800 1613997 Phone: 01625 661449 Textphone: 01625 663723 Customer Care, Reception, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, SK10 3BL For large print, audio, Braille version or translation, contact Communications and Engagement on 0800 195 4194. East Cheshire NHS Trust operates a smoke-free policy (including e-cigarettes) For advice on stopping smoking please contact the KICKSTART Stop Smoking service on 0800 085 8818. East Cheshire NHS Trust does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or abuse and is committed to ensuring that patients, staff and the public are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. If you have any comments about how we can improve our services please inform a member of staff in the department or complete a comment card available throughout the hospital. Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Rd, Macclesfield SK10 3BL Leaflet Ref: 11067 Published: Jan 2019 Review: 31/12/2021 Page 5